Benin/Sedentarization of ruminant herds: The ProSeR and the town halls sign a memorandum of understanding

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the headquarters of the National Association of Benin Communes (ANCB) in Abomey-Calavi, the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between the Sedentarization of Ruminant Herds Project (ProSeR) and the communes impacted by the project's actions took place, as well as the official launch of the handing over of the certificates of customary ownership (ADC) to the individual herders.

This is a major step towards the sedentarization of ruminant herds in Benin. This sedentarization aims to resolve conflicts between farmers and herders and also to maximize the productivity and production of livestock. Indeed, as part of the rationalization of the management of pastoral space, it is planned, under the first phase of the Sedentarization of Ruminant Herds Project (ProSeR), to secure the land of one thousand three hundred and seventy (1.370) individual breeders at a rate of ten (10) hectares per individual breeder, i.e., thirteen thousand seven hundred (13,700) hectares; fifteen commercial fodder promoters at a rate of twenty (20) hectares per promoter, i.e., three hundred (300) hectares; and seven (7) pilot farms at a rate of twenty (20) hectares per farm, i.e., one hundred forty (140) hectares.

It is planned, in the long run, to confirm the beneficiaries' land rights on the lands they exploit through the establishment of a land title for their benefit. To this end, the first step is to accompany the communes in issuing Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs) to the identified beneficiaries. Also, the ProSeR has planned to help cover the cost of carrying out topographic surveys of the land used by the beneficiaries as well as the cost of issuing the ADCs.

The memorandum of understanding has been signed between ProSeR and the communes. It ensures a good collaboration between the two parties for the issuance of ADCs to ProSeR beneficiaries, to frame the terms of their collaboration and to facilitate the implementation of the obligations of each party.

Roukayath CHABI TOKO, Coordinator of ProSeR, welcomed this important act that has just been taken in the achievement of the project's objectives.

On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, the Director of Cabinet stressed that the Government has taken the measure to better control the mobility of ruminant herds by emphasizing inclusion and equity. "This memorandum of understanding defines and strengthens the collaboration between the State and the communes. All town halls are expected to play their part in achieving the objectives," added Dossa AGUEMON.

For the occasion, a dozen individual herders received their Certificates of Customary Ownership.

Source: www.gouv.bj/